Description:
I purchased me copy o' RockSim directly from t' Apogee Rockets website over a year ago. Well, blow me down! Begad! T' cost was only $95.00. Well, blow me down! I selected t' immediate download option versus waitin' for a CD t' be mailed t' me. Avast! When you make t' purchase, matey, shiver me timbers, you will receive an authorization t' download t' software from Apogee usin' a one time only login and password. Begad! I had no problems downloadin' t' approximately 30MB file from t' web site.

There have been several updates t' t' software, t' latest version as o' this writin' is 7.04. Well, blow me down! I installed RockSim on a computer with Windows XP, ya bilge rat, but I understand it will work with a variety o' operatin' systems from Windows 98 on up. It is nay currently compatible with Apple MacIntosh® computers but t' Apogee website says a Mac version is in t' works.

T' RockSim software interface is easy t' use and gives you enormous power over t' customization o' t' software and o' your rocket designs. I initially purchased RockSim t' help me design scratch builds, arrr, but I have also used it t' test a variety o' kits that are commercially available. Ya scallywag! RockSim comes with a variety o' .rkt files (the standard RockSim design file format) and thar are many more t' be found on t' internet, arrr, t' best source bein' right here on EMRR. Begad! I currently have over 1500 design files in me designs database. Avast! Recently, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, I have been concentratin' on addin' rockets that have reviews in EMRR but no RockSim files. Ya scallywag! It takes me about 20-40 minutes (dependin' on complexity) t' measure t' various components o' a kit and enter t' data into t' RockSim interface. Blimey! You can even add color t' each component for a more realistic lookin' rocket!

T' RockSim component database includes a variety o' parts (nose cones, body tubes, transitions, matey, me hearties, etc.) from various manufacturers like Estes, Quest and PML. Blimey! T' database is easily updated so you can add your own custom components. For instance, I have most o' t' FlisKits components entered into me database. Begad! You start buildin' your rocket from t' top, usually startin' with t' nose cone. Ya scallywag! As you add components, you can see your rocket take shape in t' 2D side view at t' bottom o' t' screen. Ya scallywag! Arrr! This screen gives you a variety o' information about your design as you build it, includin' length, width, mass, matey, CP, matey, and CG locations and will even tell you if your design is stable or unstable based on Barrowman, shiver me timbers, Rocksim, arrr, or cardboard cutout methods. Avast, arrr, me proud beauty! If you are designin' a multi-stage rocket, shiver me timbers, you can view just t' booster, just t' sustainer or t' whole enchilada. Avast, me proud beauty! Other views include 2D base view (great for linin' up fins and launch lugs) and a 3D view that lets you look at your design in full color and from any angle. Blimey! New with version 7.04 be t' ability t' add decals t' your design. Well, blow me down! I have nay yet tested this feature, matey, but it looks way cool and I cannot wait t' try it.

Once you have your design, it is time t' test it. Begad! This is where I think RockSim really rocks. Avast! You pick t' engines and delay times from t' included engine database (and yes, this database is also customizable), me bucko, select conditions such as temperature, wind direction and speed, ya bilge rat, launch pad angle, arrr, etc. and then go for launch. RockSim starts its calculations and when done, shiver me timbers, matey, it will gives a summary view that will tell you how high your design would fly, me bucko, max velocity, time t' apogee, and will even suggest t' best delay time for that perfect recovery system deployment. Begad! It will also let you know if your parachute deployed before or after apogee. Ya scallywag! Avast, ya bilge rat, me proud beauty! You can brin' up a details screen for even more information regardin' your simulated launch. One thin' it won't tell you is if your rocket got hung in a tree or power line--there are just some things even RockSim cannot predict!